Seaweed culture system

Abstract

Various embodiments relate to a culture system configured to capture, retain, and effectively maintain spores, and more particularly, to a culture system with a growth medium configured to provide efficient algae capture, attachment, and growth while providing anti-biofouling properties. The culture system may include a growth medium supported by a support structure, the growth medium having a rough surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 597,196, filed November 8, 2023, and claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 424,326, filed November 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to cultivation systems and, more particularly, to algae cultivation systems configured to provide improved capture and seeding. Background Art

[0004] The current method of culturing seaweed from spores involves the use of textured nylon "culture strings" or "seed strings" to which spores are weakly attached during seeding in the laboratory before the seaweed farm is installed. The culture strings containing the weakly attached young seaweed (gametophytes and sporophytes) are then wrapped around ropes at the seaweed farm, which are then deployed and placed underwater. Due to the low initial seeding rate of the culture strings, the loss of weakly attached seaweed spores and seedlings, and biofouling (i.e., the seed strings become contaminated with unwanted seaweed and other organisms), this method is inherently inconsistent in terms of yield and throughput. The final density of mature and attached sporophytes is typically one-tenth of the initial seeding density. These low densities are observed even when commercial adhesives or bioglue are used to improve the aggregation and retention of spores in the culture strings. In addition, traditional culture strings are composed of three strands of natural or synthetic yarn that are tightly twisted together.

[0005] Biofouling can severely reduce the growth and yield of seaweed. Traditionally, effective anti-biofouling materials (smooth, low-friction films) also reduce the growth and yield of seaweed due to poor adhesion between these substrates and mature seaweed plants. Traditionally, anti-biofouling materials have also shown poor capture of spores and young seaweed plants during the initial seeding of culture lines. Other factors that affect yield and throughput include the susceptibility of seaweed to damage by factors such as water flow, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient availability. In addition, improper packaging and handling can lead to damage and loss of young seaweed plants, which are weakly attached to the culture lines. There is a need for a substrate that can effectively collect, attach, and grow seaweed while providing efficient anti-biofouling properties. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments relate to culture systems configured to capture, retain, and effectively maintain spores, and more particularly, to culture systems having a growth medium configured to provide efficient algal capture, attachment, and growth while providing anti-biofouling properties. The culture system may include a growth medium supported by a support structure, the growth medium having a roughened surface.

[0007] According to one example ("Example 1"), a seaweed cultivation system for an aquatic environment is disclosed, the system comprising a support structure and a microporous growth medium supported by the support structure. The microporous growth medium has a capture surface.

[0008] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally has a surface roughness with an average Ra value of 1.0 μm to 50 μm.

[0009] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally has a surface roughness with an average Ra value of 2.5 μm to 20 μm.

[0010] According to various examples, the capture surface of the microporous growth media optionally has a bubble point of 0.1 psi to 3.0 psi.

[0011] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium optionally has a plurality of openings distributed over at least a portion of the capture surface. The plurality of openings optionally define an average opening size of 5 microns to 200 microns. The plurality of openings optionally define an average opening size of 20 microns to 100 microns.

[0012] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium optionally has a porosity of 50% to 90%.

[0013] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium is optionally a polymer. The polymer optionally forms a membrane / film. The polymer is optionally an expanded polymer that defines spaces between polymer elements. The polymer is optionally selected from: expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co (TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and expanded polyethylene (ePE). The polymer is optionally ePE.

[0014] According to various examples, the support structure and the growth medium optionally together form a composite. The support structure of the composite is optionally a polymer. The support structure optionally comprises a polymer different from the polymer of the microporous growth medium.

[0015] According to various examples, the capture surface is optionally free of adhesives, bioglue, or binders.

[0016] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium is optionally formed as a yarn, rope, or braid.

[0017] According to various examples, the microporous growth medium is optionally braided, twisted, knitted, or woven with the support structure.

[0018] According to various examples, the capture surface optionally has a surface energy of less than 35 dynes / cm.

[0019] According to various examples, the seaweed cultivation system optionally includes a plurality of immature seaweed plants in contact with a surface of the capture zone. The plurality of immature seaweed plants optionally include seaweed spores, gametophytes, sporophytes, propagules, or broken seaweed plants. The intertwined immature seaweed plants are optionally selected from the genus: Palmaria, Porphyra, Saccharina, Neopyropia, Grasscilaria, kelp, and Asparagopsis. The intertwined immature seaweed plants are optionally of the genus Palmaria.

[0020] According to various examples, the plurality of immature algae plants optionally engage the capture surface during initial seeding to define a first portion of the immature algae plants securely captured by the capture surface and a second portion of the immature algae plants temporarily captured by the capture surface until exposed to water flow. Optionally, greater than 50% of the plurality of immature algae plants are retained in the first portion after exposure to the water flow. The water flow is optionally generated by exposure to a flume process immediately after the initial seeding is completed. Optionally, the percentage of immature algae plants retained immediately after the flume process is performed is determinable.

[0021] According to various examples, the plurality of immature algae plants optionally intersect the capture surface during initial seeding to define a first portion of the immature algae plants securely captured by the capture surface and a second portion of the immature algae plants temporarily attached to the capture surface until undergoing a cultivation period. Optionally, greater than 50% of the plurality of immature algae plants are the first portion that remain after the cultivation period expires. The cultivation period optionally expires approximately two weeks after the initial seeding. At the expiration of the cultivation period, the percentage of immature algae plants that remain is optionally determinable.

[0022] According to various examples, the plurality of immature seaweed plants are optionally intersected with the capture surface during initial seeding and subsequent cultivation periods to define a first portion of the immature seaweed plants securely captured by the capture surface and a second portion of the immature seaweed plants temporarily captured by the capture surface until submerged in the marine culture environment. Optionally, greater than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants remain in the first portion after submersion in the marine culture environment. Submersion in the marine culture environment optionally occurs approximately four weeks after initial seeding. During submersion in the marine culture environment, the percentage of immature seaweed plants that remain can optionally be determined. Submersion in the marine culture environment optionally occurs approximately four weeks after initial seeding. During harvesting from the marine culture environment, the percentage of immature seaweed plants that remain can optionally be determined.

[0023] According to various examples, stranded immature algal plants are retained by selective attachment to intentionally differentiated surface textures.

[0024] According to various examples, a deployment rope for seaweed cultivation, the deployment rope having a rope axis and a rope axial length, the rope comprising a first yarn and a second yarn, wherein the first yarn comprises a first growth fiber and a first strength fiber, the first growth fiber and the first strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted about each other to define a first left-handed inter-fiber joint, wherein the second yarn comprises a second growth fiber and a second strength fiber, the second growth fiber and the second strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted about each other to define a second left-handed inter-fiber joint, wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are axially aligned and twisted about each other to define a right-handed inter-yarn joint. , a first left-hand twisted interfiber is coupled to arrange a first strength fiber and a first growth fiber to define a first contact line along the axial length of the rope, wherein one fiber repeatedly contacts the other fiber, the first contact line further defining adjacent portions of the first strength fiber and the first growth fiber, the adjacent portions being at an angle relative to each other to define a first groove of the first yarn, wherein a second left-hand twisted interfiber is coupled to arrange a second strength fiber and a second growth fiber to define a second contact line along the axial length of the rope, wherein one fiber repeatedly contacts the other fiber, the second contact line further defining adjacent portions of the second strength fiber and the second growth fiber, the adjacent portions being at an angle relative to each other to define a second groove of the second yarn.

[0025] According to various examples, the deployment cord has a first growth fiber and a second growth fiber, the first growth fiber and the second growth fiber being expanded polyethylene.

[0026] According to various examples, the routing cord has a first growth fiber and a second growth fiber that are monofilament polypropylene.

[0027] According to various examples, the laying cord having trapped reinforcement fibers is included in the first yarn and / or the second yarn.

[0028] According to various examples, the deployment rope has a reinforced capture fiber of spun polyester.

[0029] According to various examples, an algae cultivation system includes a deployment rope formed from a twisted yarn including growth fibers and strength fibers.

[0030] According to various examples, the seaweed cultivation system includes a deployment rope, wherein during initial seeding, a plurality of immature seaweed plants engage the first groove and the second groove along the length of the deployment rope.

[0031] According to various examples, a seaweed cultivation system is provided, wherein ropes are arranged and knotted to form a net.

[0032] The foregoing examples are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting or otherwise narrowing the scope of the inventive concepts otherwise provided by this disclosure. Although a number of examples are disclosed, other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative examples. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 is a color photographic image depicting one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a growth medium membrane is wrapped around a support structure, wherein the support structure is partially exposed;

[0036] Figure 2 is an SEM image depicting one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a growth medium membrane is completely wrapped around a support structure, wherein the image is provided at a magnification of 32X to the scale shown in the image;

[0037] Figure 3 It depicts Figure 2 SEM images of a close-up view of an embodiment of , provided at 70x magnification to the scale shown in the image;

[0038] Figure 4 is a color photographic image depicting one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a growing medium is twisted with a support structure to form a strand;

[0039] Figure 5is a color image depicting the surface topography of a first sample of a growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the image is provided at 150X magnification and uses false colors to indicate variations in the surface topography as indicated by the axes and scale shown in the figure;

[0040] Figure 6 is a color image depicting the surface topography of a second sample of the growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the image is provided at 150 times magnification and uses false color to indicate variations in the surface topography as indicated by the axes and scale shown in the figure;

[0041] Figure 7 is a color image depicting the surface topography of a third sample of a growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the image is provided at 150 times magnification and uses false colors to indicate variations in the surface topography as indicated by the axes and scale shown in the figure;

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Color graphic representation of the total curve and roughness curve of the surface morphology, which is Figure 5 The image is taken in a horizontal direction;

[0043] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The overall curve diagram and the roughness curve diagram of the surface morphology are graphically represented. Figure 6 The image is taken in a horizontal direction;

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The overall curve diagram and the roughness curve diagram of the surface morphology are graphically represented. Figure 7 The image is taken in a horizontal direction;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a color micrograph of the propagules of Palmaria palmata.

[0046] Figure 12 is a SEM image of a first sample of a growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the image is provided at a scale shown in the image;

[0047] Figure 13 is an SEM image of a second sample of the growth medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the image is provided at a scale shown in the image;

[0048] Figure 14 is an SEM image of a third sample of a growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the image is provided at a scale shown in the image;

[0049] Figure 15is a color photographic image of a growth medium surface in false color depicting the capture and dispersion of immature algal plants on a first sample of the growth medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 16 is a false color photographic image of the surface of a growth medium depicting the capture and dispersion of immature algal plants on a second sample of the growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 17 is a false color photographic image of the surface of a growth medium depicting the capture and dispersion of immature algal plants on a third sample of the growth medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 18 is a color photographic image depicting the entrapment and dispersion of immature algal plants on a portion of a growth medium having a selectively increased surface roughness compared to a portion of the growth medium having a relatively smooth surface roughness.

[0053] Figure 19 is a color photographic image of an embodiment of a laid rope of the present invention formed from a loose twist of strength fibers (shown in black) and growth fibers (shown in white).

[0054] Figure 20 is a color photographic image of a mesh formed from a laying cord embodiment of the present invention formed from a loose twist of strength fibers (shown in black) and growth fibers (shown in white). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Definitions and Terminology

[0056] This disclosure should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, the terms used in this application should be interpreted broadly according to the meaning that people in the art would give to such terms.

[0057] With respect to imprecision terms, the terms "about" and "approximately" are used interchangeably to refer to a measurement value, including the stated measurement value and any measurement value that is reasonably close to the stated measurement value. A measurement value that is reasonably close to the stated measurement value has a relatively small deviation from the stated measurement value, which is understood and readily determined by a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Such deviation may be due to measurement error, differences in calibration of measurement and / or manufacturing equipment, human error in reading and / or setting the measurement value, minor adjustments made to optimize performance and / or structural parameters due to measurement differences related to other components, specific implementation scenarios, imprecise adjustment and / or operation of the object by humans or machines, and / or the like. If it is determined that a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art cannot readily determine such a reasonably small deviation, the terms "about" and "approximately" may be understood to mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

[0058] Description of each embodiment

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented by any number of methods and devices configured to perform the desired effects. It should also be noted that the drawings referenced herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in this regard, the drawings should not be considered limiting.

[0060] The present disclosure relates to a culture system including a growth medium. The growth medium is used to retain, cultivate, and / or grow seaweed, as well as related methods and apparatus. In some embodiments, the culture system is operable to grow seaweed in an open water environment. In this disclosure, when referring to the physical form of the growth medium, the growth medium may also be referred to as growth fiber. The terms "growth medium" and "growth fiber" are used interchangeably herein.

[0061] The culture system according to the present invention can be used for spore culture and growth, as well as transport and deposition of spores and / or gametophytes / sporophytes and / or disrupted algal material. In certain embodiments, the growth media described herein can be used as an improved growth medium for growing and culturing algal forms (e.g., spores, gametophytes, sporophytes, disrupted algal material), thereby resulting in increased yield and throughput relative to current culture practices.

[0062] Trapping refers to the initial retention / entrapment of algae in the growing medium after initial seeding. Trapping is related to the relationship between initial seed density, seed uniformity, and seed spacing after seeding and final biomass yield. The key function of trapping is to provide protection, i.e., until an attachment or holdfast is established, against loss due to displacement or algal morphology, providing sufficient stability for healthy plant growth.

[0063] Seaweed morph density and seaweed morph spacing are related to optimal growth and ultimate biomass production, with seaweed morphs that are too close together or located in dense areas being less likely to attach and / or thrive due to competition for resources with surrounding plants.

[0064] For example, holdfasts are root-like structures in the base of seaweed, securing the seaweed to a substrate such as stone. Different types of holdfasts vary in shape and structure. The type of substrate also influences the shape and structure of the holdfast. Unlike the roots of terrestrial plants, seaweed holdfasts do not absorb nutrients and only serve as anchors.

[0065] Effective biofouling protection is associated with optimal growth and ultimate biomass yield because resources are preserved for the target plant. It is also associated with protecting the target plant from predatory and / or parasitic organisms, thereby providing the target plant with the ability to thrive. Effective biofouling protection also facilitates harvesting the target plant, rather than inadvertently harvesting another species.

[0066] Surface energy describes the surface of a substrate material in a manner that corresponds to its resistance to biofouling. For example, the adhesion between contaminants (such as epiphytes) present on the growth medium throughout the seaweed cultivation process depends on the surface energy of the substrate. Contaminants on high-surface-energy substrates (i.e., hydrophilic materials) wet the surface and form a strong bond with it, i.e., biofouling the surface. In contrast, materials with low surface energy (i.e., hydrophobic materials) resist wetting by contaminants and exhibit much weaker adhesion between the contaminants and the growth medium. Therefore, these materials are considered to be biofouling-resistant. However, materials with low surface energy that are biofouling-resistant also exhibit low capture of seaweed spores and immature seaweed plants during the sowing process, which, despite reducing biofouling, limits their potential to increase seaweed cultivation yields.

[0067] In some embodiments, a plurality of algal spores are seeded onto a growth medium, and those algal spores that are trapped / captured on the growth medium by capture are allowed to develop into seedlings. In other embodiments, a plurality of seedlings (e.g., sporophytes and / or gametophytes) are seeded onto the growth medium. In other embodiments, broken algal material is seeded onto the growth medium. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "immature algal plant" will be used to refer to the different forms and developmental stages of the algal plant used in seeding the growth medium, including algal spores, sporophytes, gametophytes, propagules, and broken algal material. The plurality of algal spores and / or juvenile algae and / or broken algal material can all be of the same species, or two or more different species. In some embodiments, two different algal species exhibit a symbiotic relationship when cultured or grown together. In some embodiments, the seeded seaweed genera and / or species can include one or more of the following: for example, Palmaria, Porphyra, Saccharina, Neopyropia, Gracilaria, Asparagopsis, kelp, and various red seaweeds, green seaweeds, and / or brown seaweeds.

[0068] In addition to retaining algae through capture, the culture systems and substrates of the present disclosure can also promote the germination and growth of seeded algae spores, as well as the growth of juvenile and mature algae. For example, the growth medium can create a microenvironment that is conducive to the germination and growth of seeded algae spores and immature algae plants, as well as the growth of juvenile and mature algae.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the growth medium provides selective nanostructures that facilitate the capture and / or holdfast formation and subsequent growth of one or more target algal species, while inhibiting or preventing the attachment or growth of non-target species or other organisms. That is, the microstructure of the growth medium supports the capture, attachment, and growth of algal species while inhibiting biofouling. In some embodiments, in which biofouling species (e.g., non-target species or other organisms) do attach to the growth medium, this attachment is weaker than that of the target algal species, and the biofouling species can be removed, for example, by flushing. In such embodiments, physical removal of the biofouling species does not result in significant displacement of the target species.

[0070] In some embodiments, the growth medium promotes rapid, healthy growth of the target species, allowing the target species to produce and secrete natural antifouling compounds before biofouling species can establish on the growth medium. Thus, in addition to the growth medium itself, the target species also contributes to resistance to biofouling.

[0071] Good capture and establishment are crucial to the successful cultivation of seaweed crops; immature seaweed plants and seedlings must be captured and firmly attached to prevent them from becoming detached from the growing medium during exposure to the extreme conditions of the open ocean. All juvenile seaweeds are susceptible to biofouling, which is often caused by the overgrowth of other algae species, such as diatoms, filamentous brown algae, and green algae. On farms, biofouling is most common when first starting out and when the immature seaweed plants and juvenile seaweed are too small to pose a suffocation hazard, but biofouling can sometimes occur in nurseries during seedling development. The ideal substrate will provide secure capture and attachment for the target species while inhibiting the growth of biofouling organisms.

[0072] In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium is configured to retain spores, broken algal material, and / or sporophytes, gametophytes, or other organisms growing from algal forms by trapping. In some embodiments, the microstructure is configured to retain algal sporophytes and / or gametophytes, plant spores, seedlings, bacterial endospores, fungal spores, broken algal material, or a combination thereof by trapping. In some embodiments, the growth medium retains a plurality of spores, broken algal material, and / or organisms (e.g., sporophytes and / or gametophytes) growing therein by trapping. The plurality of spores and / or organisms can all be of the same type, or can be two or more different types. In some embodiments, the growth medium retains algal spores and / or immature algal plants and / or algae of the same type as those sown on the growth medium. In other embodiments, the growth medium retains algal spores and / or immature algal plants and / or algae of a different type than those sown and attached to the growth medium. In some embodiments, the growth medium retains two different spore types that exhibit a symbiotic relationship when cultured or grown together. For simplicity, in this disclosure, reference will be made to "spores" with respect to the growth medium, but disrupted algal material, gametophytes, sporophytes, seedlings, or other organisms grown from spores are also included within this term and are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] In some embodiments, in addition to retaining spores and / or immature algal plants, the growth medium also promotes attachment, germination, and growth of the retained spores and / or immature algal plants. That is, the growth medium can effectively maintain the retained spores and / or immature algal plants. In certain embodiments, the microstructures are configured to irremovably anchor at least a portion of the spores and / or immature algal plants.

[0074] In some embodiments, the growth media described herein include a nutrient phase associated with at least a portion of the growth medium. The nutrient phase is used to maintain the survival of spores, germinating spores retained by the growth medium, and growing organisms (e.g., juvenile seaweed). In some embodiments, the nutrient phase promotes germination and growth of spores and / or immature seaweed plants retained within the microstructure of the growth medium. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase is used to maintain and / or promote attachment to the growth medium, or to maintain and / or promote ingrowth into or integration into the microstructure of the growth medium.

[0075] In some embodiments, the nutrient phase acts as a chemoattractant capable of attracting spores and / or immature algal plants and / or juvenile organisms (e.g., algal sporophytes and / or gametophytes) to a predetermined location of a growth medium to which the nutrient phase is applied or contained.

[0076] The nutrient phase can be contained within the growth medium, on the growth medium, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase is applied to the surface of the growth medium as a coating. By promoting the growth of the algae, the nutrient phase can help prevent biofouling, as healthy, fast-growing algae are known to produce and release their own natural antifouling compounds.

[0077] In some embodiments, the nutrient phase includes at least one nutrient that is beneficial to the target algal species and / or target spores and the germinating spores attached to or retained by the growth medium. For example, the nutrient phase may include macronutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, etc.), micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, etc.), and vitamins (e.g., vitamin B12) that support the growth and health of the germinating spores when the algae are attached to or retained by the growth medium. 12 , thiamine, biotin). The nutrients of the nutrient phase can be provided in various forms. For example, nitrogen can be provided in the form of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), potassium nitrate (KNO3), urea (CO(NH2)2), etc. One skilled in the art will recognize which nutrients are beneficial to include in the nutrient phase in order to maintain the spores and the resulting germinated spores and / or immature algal plants in a viable form retained by the growth medium.

[0078] Which nutrients are included in the nutrient phase will depend on the spores and / or immature algae plants retained by the growth medium, because various spore types, budding spores and growing organisms (such as seaweed) will have different nutritional requirements. Nutritional selection may also depend on the intended use of the culture system. For example, when the growth medium retaining spores, budding spores and / or growing organisms is introduced into an environment lacking essential nutrients, all essential nutrients can be included in the nutrient phase. When the growth medium retaining spores / budding spores / growing organisms is introduced into an environment containing at least one essential nutrient, the essential nutrients available in these environments may not be included in the nutrient phase or may be included with lower concentrations. The growth medium can also concentrate nutrients in the environment by capturing environmental nutrients in the growth medium. This may be advantageous in an environment where environmental nutrients only exist at low concentrations.

[0079] In some embodiments, the culture system can be used to transport retained spores / germinated spores from one location to another. When the culture system serves as a transport system, the nutrient phase can include sufficient nutrient levels to support the retained spores / germinated spores / growing organisms in a viable manner during transport. In some embodiments, the nutrient phase can include sufficient nutrient levels to maintain the retained spores / germinated spores / growing organisms in a viable manner after transport, and then introduce the retained spores / germinated spores / growing organisms into a new environment (e.g., open water).

[0080] In some embodiments, the nutrient phase is formulated to control the release rate of the nutrients.

[0081] In some embodiments, the growth medium further comprises a salt associated with the growth medium. In some embodiments, the salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). The salt associated with the growth medium can create and maintain a saltwater microenvironment for the retained spores / germinating spores / immature seaweed plants. This can be particularly advantageous when seaweed and marine plants are retained by the growth medium. In some embodiments, the saltwater microenvironment within the growth medium can be maintained when the growth medium is submerged in fresh water, thereby maintaining marine species in a viable manner and avoiding the need to maintain a saltwater culture environment, which can be difficult and expensive.

[0082] In some embodiments, the growth medium includes a liquid-containing phase associated with at least a portion of the growth medium. The liquid-containing phase is used to provide and maintain moisture within the microenvironment of the growth medium, which may be beneficial for maintaining the survival of spores / germinating spores / growing organisms retained by the growth medium.

[0083] In some embodiments, the growth medium includes a liquid wicking material that serves to retain moisture within the microenvironment of the growth medium.

[0084] While spores and endospores can survive in arid environments, germinating spores and growing organisms (e.g., juvenile algae) generally require moisture to grow and / or proliferate. By maintaining a moist microenvironment (e.g., by including a liquid-containing substrate and / or a liquid-wicking material), the culture system having spores / germinating spores / growing organisms retained therein and / or thereon can be transported without requiring the culture system to be maintained in an aqueous environment.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the growth medium is hydrophilic. Such hydrophilic portions of the growth medium may aid in the retention of and / or attachment to the growth medium.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the growth medium is hydrophobic. This hydrophobic portion of the growth medium can reduce, prevent, or resist the retention and / or attachment of spores / germinating spores / growing organisms. This can help reduce or prevent biofouling and the attachment of unwanted spores or other cells or organisms to the growth medium.

[0087] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the growth medium are hydrophobic and one or more portions of the growth medium are hydrophilic, thereby selectively encouraging spores / germinating spores / growing organisms to be retained by or attached to the one or more hydrophilic portions of the growth medium.

[0088] In some embodiments, the growth medium may include one or more bioactive agents associated with the growth medium. Bioactive agents include any agent that has a positive or negative effect on cells or organisms that come into contact with the agent. Suitable bioactive agents may include, for example, biocides and serums. Biocides may be associated with certain portions of the growth medium to prevent unwanted cells or organisms from attaching and growing to these portions of the growth medium. Unwanted cells may include non-target cells, such as bacteria, yeast, and algae (i.e., biofouling species). Biocides may also prevent pests, such as insects. In some embodiments, biocides prevent target spores from attaching and growing to portions of the growth medium where attachment and growth are not desired. In some embodiments, serums may be applied to certain portions of the growth medium. Serums aid in spore attachment and retention and / or promote spore germination or growth. For example, serums may include, for example, sources of growth factors, hormones, and attachment factors.

[0089] The growth medium comprises a microporous material. In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises an expanded thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the expanded thermoplastic polymer forms the microstructure of the growth medium. In some embodiments, the expanded thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of expanded polyester sulfone (ePES), expanded ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), expanded polylactic acid (ePLA), and expanded polyethylene (ePE).

[0090] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises an expanded fluoropolymer selected from the group consisting of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and modified ePTFE. Examples of suitable expanded fluoropolymers include: fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA), polyester sulfone (PES), polyparaxylene (ePPX), as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0032069; ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,926,416 to Sbriglia; ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,932,429 to Sbriglia; polylactic acid (ePLLA), as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,932,184 to Sbriglia et al.; vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene [VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)] polymers, as taught in U.S. Patent No. 9,441,088 to Sbriglia.

[0091] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises an expanded polymer. In some embodiments, the expanded polymer forms the microstructure of the growth medium. The expanded polymer can define spaces between polymer elements. In some embodiments, the expanded polymer is expanded polyurethane (ePU).

[0092] In some embodiments, the expanded polymer includes a nutrient phase. This can be achieved by blending the nutrient phase with the fluoropolymer resin prior to expansion of the polymer.

[0093] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a polymer formed by expanded chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In some embodiments, the polymer formed by expanded CVD forms the microstructure of the growth medium. In some embodiments, the polymer formed by expanded CVD is poly(p-xylylene) (ePPX).

[0094] In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a non-expanded microporous material. In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises a sintered non-expanded microporous material produced from a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). In some embodiments, the growth medium comprises another non-expanded microporous material, such as an open-cell microporous polyurethane foam or sintered microporous polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0095] In some embodiments, the polymer from which the growth medium is constructed can form a membrane.

[0096] The microstructure of the growth medium may be microporous, having an opening size or pore size ranging from about 0.2 μm to about 200 μm. In some embodiments, the pore size of the microstructure of the growth medium may be from about 20.0 μm to about 100 μm.

[0097] The microstructure of the growth medium may have a porosity greater than about 50%. In some embodiments, the porosity of the microstructure of the growth medium may be from about 75% to about 97%. In some embodiments, the porosity of the microstructure of the growth medium may be from about 80% to about 97%. In some embodiments, the porosity of the microstructure of the growth medium may be from about 90% to about 97%.

[0098] The bubble point of the microstructure of the growth medium can be from about 0.1 psi to about 32.0 psi. In some embodiments, the bubble point of the microstructure of the growth medium can be from about 0.1 psi to about 4.0 psi. In some embodiments, the bubble point of the microstructure of the growth medium can be from about 0.1 psi to about 3.0 psi. In some embodiments, the bubble point of the microstructure of the growth medium can be from about 0.1 psi to about 1.5 psi. When the growth medium is, for example, in the form of a membrane having a width, the bubble point can be calculated as further described herein. In some embodiments, the membrane can be twisted to form a yarn, rope, or braid to form the growth medium. In this embodiment, the growth medium can be untied / unrolled to reform the membrane, from which the bubble point can be calculated while taking into account damage.

[0099] The microstructure of the growth medium may have a surface roughness with an average Ra value of about 1.0 μm to about 100 μm. In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium has an average Ra value of about 1.0 μm to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium has an average Ra value of about 2.5 μm to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium has an average Ra value of about 1.0 μm to about 3.0 μm. In some embodiments, the microstructure of the growth medium has an average Ra value of about 2.5 μm to about 3.0 μm. In some embodiments, the surface energy of the microstructure of the growth medium may be less than 35 dynes / cm.

[0100] In some embodiments, the surface of the growing medium may have portions exhibiting increased surface roughness and portions exhibiting low surface roughness. One skilled in the art will appreciate that varying the surface roughness allows for control of the capture area, which can allow for control of plant density. For example, Figure 18 As shown, the portion of the growth medium with increased surface roughness exhibited higher capture of immature algae plants, while the portion of the growth medium with low surface roughness exhibited lower capture of immature algae plants. Although the pattern of high and low surface roughness can be a regular line pattern, such as Figure 18 shown, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of patterns may be used, including checkerboard, woven, or unequally spaced lines.

[0101] In some embodiments, the growth medium can be supported by a support structure. The growth medium and support structure can together form a composite. In some embodiments, the growth medium and support structure can be braided, twisted, knitted, or woven. In some embodiments, the growth medium is wrapped around or otherwise covers the support structure.

[0102] The support structure may include a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer forming the support structure may include at least one of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and modified ePTF. Examples of suitable expanded fluoropolymers include: fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA), polyester sulfone (PES), polyparaxylene (ePPX), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), polylactic acid (ePLLA), vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene [VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)] polymers, expanded polyester sulfone (ePES), expanded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE), expanded polylactic acid (ePLA), expanded polyethylene (ePE), expanded polyurethane (ePU) and polyparaxylene (ePPX).

[0103] In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise a different polymer than the polymer forming the growth medium.

[0104] As described above, in some embodiments, the growth medium can be wrapped around a support structure to form a culture substrate. Figure 1 The culture substrate may include a core support structure 101, and a growth medium membrane 103 is wound around the core support structure 102. Figure 1The culture medium obtained is shown from left to right. Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown.

[0105] As described above, in some embodiments, the growth medium and the support structure can be twisted together to form a culture substrate, such as Figure 4 In some embodiments, the culture substrate may include a twisted structure 102 comprising two layers of twisted bodies (also referred to as yarns), each layer of twisted bodies comprising three polyethylene ends and three monofilament polypropylene ends. In some embodiments, the culture substrate may include a twisted structure 104 comprising two layers of twisted bodies, each layer of twisted bodies comprising three polyethylene ends, three monofilament polypropylene ends, and three polyester spun yarn ends.

[0106] In some embodiments, the culture substrate may include a twisted structure 106 comprising three layers of twisted bodies (also referred to as yarns), each layer of twisted bodies comprising two polyethylene ends, two monofilament polypropylene ends, and two spun polyester ends. In some embodiments, the culture substrate may include a twisted structure 108 comprising three layers of twisted bodies, each layer of twisted bodies comprising two polyethylene ends and two monofilament polypropylene ends.

[0107] In some embodiments, the culture substrate may include a twisted structure comprising four layers of twists (also referred to as yarns), each layer of twists comprising a growth fiber having two ends of expanded polyethylene, a strength fiber having two ends of monofilament polypropylene, and a capture fiber having two ends of spun polyester. In some embodiments, the culture substrate may include a twisted structure comprising four layers of twists, each layer of twists comprising two ends of expanded polyethylene and two ends of monofilament polypropylene.

[0108] In some embodiments, the culture substrate can be in the form of a laying rope, wherein a 2-layer, 3-layer or 4-layer culture medium yarn (such as expanded polyethylene) is twisted together with a support medium (such as monofilament polypropylene and / or polyester spun yarn) to form a yarn, and then the yarn is twisted in the opposite direction with another 2-layer, 3-layer or 4-layer culture medium yarn and support medium to form a laying rope. Polyester spun yarn can also be included to improve the capture performance of the laying rope. Preferably, the yarns are loosely twisted together to form a laying rope with more space between the two yarns. As used herein, with respect to laying ropes and yarns that produce laying ropes, the terms "loose" and "loosely twisted" mean that two twisted fibers have the ability to redirect themselves from a first physical junction to a second physical junction similar to the first physical junction. The definition can then also include rolling junctions between the twisted fibers, and further include the ability to disengage and re-engage when the fibers move between a taut state and a loose state.

[0109] For the yarns and cabling described herein, the tightness or looseness of the twist can be characterized by the peak-to-valley distance of the grooves formed by the angular relationship of the twisted fibers to one another. For loosely twisted yarns herein, this distance is typically preferably about 50% of the diameter of a single layer, or about 0.6 mm from top to bottom for a two-layer structure with each layer having a diameter of about 1.2 mm. Most preferably, the peak-to-valley distance is about 0.5-1 mm or greater.

[0110] This loose twist allows for the formation of more and deeper grooves along the length of the deployment rope between the contact points of the two yarns. These grooves provide additional areas for the capture and retention of spores, broken algal material and / or sporophytes, gametophytes or other organisms that grow from the algal form.

[0111] In some embodiments, one or more of the deployment cords can be further combined to form other structures, such as a mesh or loose woven material. The loosely twisted fibers and yarns of the deployment cords allow for rolling engagement between the twisted fibers and between the twisted yarns, and also include the ability to disengage and reengage as the fibers or yarns move between taut and loose states on the twisted cord sections disposed between the knots of the mesh.

[0112] The preferred configuration of the deployment ropes used for the culture substrate will vary depending on the type of algae being cultured. For example, a mesh may be preferred for cultivating smaller algae species, such as Palmaria, while a single ("long line") deployment rope may be more suitable for larger, faster growing species, such as Saccharina.

[0113] Adhesives, bioglue, or binders are used to improve the capture and retention of algae spores and / or immature plants on conventional seaweed lines and twines. Such binders include hydrocolloid binders and viscosity-based hydrocolloid binders. As further described herein, the surface of the growth medium of the described embodiments may be free of adhesives, bioglue, or binders to facilitate capture.

[0114] In some embodiments, the culture system described herein can be used for seaweed farming. During the seeding process, seaweed spores, broken seaweed material, immature seaweed plants, and / or other seaweed forms are introduced into a growth medium. In some embodiments, the growth medium is introduced into a solution or medium containing a plurality of spores and / or immature seaweed plants. In some embodiments, the growth medium can be introduced into a fertile slurry (surrey) prepared by placing seaweed fragments in a bath and allowing the spores to be released naturally. In some embodiments, a spore soup can be prepared by releasing seeds or other immature seed plants into the soup, which can increase the control of spores per square millimeter. The growth medium of the present invention has the desired properties for capturing spores and / or immature seaweed plants by trapping and maintaining the spores and / or immature seaweed plants in a living manner until at least some spores germinate and are retained by the growth medium (i.e., attached). In some embodiments, the growth medium can be incubated in a medium that is conducive to the germination of spores and / or immature seaweed plants and the growth of germinated spores and / or immature seaweed plants. In other embodiments, the culture system itself provides a microenvironment that facilitates germination of spores and / or immature algal plants and growth of the germinated spores and / or immature algal plants for at least a period of time (eg, during temporary transport).

[0115] In some embodiments, the growth media described herein can be used as a growth substrate for multicellular organisms derived from spores and / or immature algal plants. For example, the growth medium can be used to support the growth of algae from spores and / or immature algal plants to mature algae. In some embodiments, spores and / or immature algal plants to be matured into multicellular organisms are contacted with the growth medium under predetermined conditions and for a sufficient time until at least some spores germinate and are retained by the growth medium.

[0116] In some embodiments, algal spores and / or disrupted algal material and / or immature algal plants are introduced into the growth medium, and the gametophytes and sporophytes are allowed to mature in a manner similar to conventional culture lines by depositing the culture substrate (with or without spores retained therein) on a rope, cable, or other support in the field, bypassing the conventional step of wrapping a culture line around a rope line. This can be accomplished where the culture substrate is provided by an aqueous mixture of sporophytes and / or gametophytes.

[0117] In other embodiments, algal sporophytes and / or gametophytes and / or immature algal plants are introduced directly into the culture substrate. Such direct seeding can reduce the laboratory time required to produce culture strands compared to spore seeding.

[0118] Traditionally, culture strands are maintained and cultured in a laboratory environment using sterile seawater. Culture strands, such as the culture medium disclosed herein, are maintained in this environment for a period of two to eight weeks (e.g., an incubation period), providing an opportunity for immature seaweed plants to safely attach to the culture medium. The culture system of the present invention avoids the need for expensive and cumbersome systems for sterile seawater circulation by incorporating sufficient salt into the microstructures to provide a saline microenvironment within the microstructures. In some embodiments, the seeded growth medium is maintained in standard seaweed culture tanks, with nutrients delivered via sterile seawater. By including a nutrient phase sufficient to support seaweed growth, the need to provide external nutrients to the growing seaweed is eliminated.

[0119] Typically, culture strands must be transported in seawater to a marine aquaculture environment. Traditionally, this transport must be done carefully to avoid jostling the strands and preventing gametophytes and sporophytes from falling off the strands. The strands can be immersed in the marine aquaculture environment approximately two to six weeks after initial sowing. In some embodiments, the strands can be immersed in the marine aquaculture environment approximately two to four weeks after initial sowing. Due to the improved capture and attachment of immature algal plants, the present invention provides a lower risk of detachment from the culture medium.

[0120] Test Method

[0121] It should be understood that although certain methods and apparatus are described below, other methods or apparatuses determined suitable by one of ordinary skill in the art may alternatively be employed.

[0122] Test Method

[0123] The Ra value is defined by the average height or roundness of the surface, calculated as the deviation from the average height. The Rz value is the difference between the highest peak and the deepest valley of the surface. When determining the average Ra value and / or average Rz value of a material, the sample is prepared as follows: the sample is cut from a larger block of material, the sample is stretched taut, and the ends are fixed with tape when measuring using a profilometer (such as the Keyence VK-X1000 profilometer with a 404nm violet semiconductor laser) to minimize wrinkling and deformation of the material in its finished form.

[0124] Raw data were captured from each sample using the profilometer's "SuperFine" resolution setting at 150x magnification, more specifically a field of view of 97.169 μm. Tilt was eliminated by employing a reference plane, and wrinkles or any other unintended large-scale features were removed only when necessary by surface shape correction and waviness removal at an intensity of 2 (see Figure 5 、 6and 7, relating to samples A, B, and C, respectively, as further described herein), Ra and Rz are then calculated by calculating the average Ra value of three horizontal and three vertical profile lines captured by roughly dividing the image into four equal parts in both directions. Figure 8 、 9 The values ​​given for samples A, B, and C in 10 and 11, respectively, are the overall averages of the horizontal and vertical averages. Both Ra and Rz were determined according to ISO 21920-2:2021 using the formula

[0125] Pa is a measurement of the primary surface, including surface features such as waviness. Typically, according to ISO standards, Ra is removed from the Pa measurement; however, since the sampling length is the same as the evaluation length, no further filter is applied according to ISO 4288. Therefore, in these embodiments, Ra is equal to Pa. More information on the relationship between Ra and Pa can be found in "Correlating and evaluating the functionality-related properties with surface texture parameters and specific characteristics of machined components," by Quanren Zeng et al., published in the International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference (International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 149 (2018) 62-72).

[0126] Sample number Average Ra(um) Average Rz(um) A 2.537 17.055 B 1.105 7.845 C 0.856 6.188 A in fiber form 2.559 15.432

[0127] Surface energy is calculated by contact angle measurements. Contact angles are measured using sessile drop measurements with an optical tensiometer. Pure liquids (such as water) with known surface tension values ​​are used for these measurements, and the surface energy is calculated using their measured contact angles (advancing and receding) with the test surface. In some embodiments, and particularly in embodiments using powders, granular fibers, or thin films, surface energy measurements are performed using inverse gas chromatography and related techniques. Surface energy can be accurately determined by injecting a series of solvent pulses through a column containing the sample of interest and based on the resulting vapor adsorption isotherm.

[0128] Porosity is a measure of the voids, pores, or empty spaces within a material. Porosity is calculated as the void volume as a percentage of the total volume. Typical techniques for determining porosity are helium pycnometry and mercury porosimetry.

[0129] Bubble point was determined using a capillary flow porometer (Model 3G zh, purchased from Quantachrome Instruments) according to the general method of ASTM F316 6-03. The sample holder consisted of a porous metal plate (Part No. 196450, Anton Paar) with a diameter of 25.4 mm and a plastic mask (Part No. ABF-300, Professional Plastics) with an inner diameter of 18 mm and an outer diameter of 24.5 mm. The sample was placed between the metal plate and the plastic mask and then clamped and sealed with an O-ring (Part No. 193798, Anton Paar). The sample was then wetted with the test fluid (i.e., silicone fluid, 10 cSt, with a surface tension of 19.75 dynes / cm).

[0130] The maximum pore diameter is calculated from the Young-Laplace equation using the bubble point and the following equation:

[0131]

[0132] Assuming the fluid completely wets the membrane and the contact angle is zero, the equation becomes:

[0133]

[0134] Example

[0135] Example 1

[0136] The propagules of Palmaria palmata (i.e. Figure 11 germinating gametophytes and spores as shown) were sown onto three polyethylene samples: Sample A ( Figure 12 ), sample B( Figure 13 ) and sample C( Figure 14 Sample A exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 2.5 μm; thickness of 90 μm; porosity of 94%; average pore size of 23 μm; bubble point of 0.5 psi; and matrix tensile strength of 3351 / 7912 psi. Sample B exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 1.1 μm; thickness of 104 μm; porosity of 84%; average pore size of 2 μm; bubble point of 4.9 psi; and matrix tensile strength of 8768 / 12998 psi. Sample C exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 0.9 μm; thickness of 17 μm; porosity of 78%; average pore size of 0.4 μm; bubble point of 24.3 psi; and matrix tensile strength of 13193 / 26115 psi.

[0137] Three replicates were prepared for each sample, mounted around a glass slide and placed horizontally on the bottom of a square jar with three centrally aligned aeration points. To estimate the number of traps per sample, image analysis of fixed-size photographic fields was used 13 days after initial sowing to calculate the total number and area of ​​colonized propagules across all samples in square micrometers.

[0138] like Figure 15 As shown, Sample A showed an average capture of 82.7 seeds (i.e., the total number of seeds in the photographed field). The average capture area in the photographed field was 1201200 μm 2 .like Figure 16 As shown, the average capture amount of sample B was 27.7 seeds. The average capture area in the photographed field was 354240 μm 2 .like Figure 17 As shown, the average capture amount of sample C was 17.7 seeds. The average capture area in the photographed field was 202752 μm 2 As shown in the figure, the average capture amount (i.e., total number of seeds) and average capture area values ​​of sample A are significantly higher than those of sample B and sample C.

[0139] Example 2

[0140] Palmaria palmata propagules (i.e., budding gametophytes and spores) were seeded onto a microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material with multiple adjacent lanes of varying surface textures. The sample was secured around a glass slide and placed horizontally on the bottom of a square jar with three centrally aligned aeration points. The sample was monitored for three days after seeding. Figure 18 As shown, the retention of propagules was associated with areas of the sample with rougher surface texture.

[0141] Example 3

[0142] A concentrated solution of 42,480,000 Saccharina latissim zoospores was diluted with high pressure treated seawater to achieve a final density of 10 zoospores per square millimeter. Microporous expanded polyethylene samples (i.e., Samples A, B, and C) were selected for testing and compared to a nonwoven fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene material ("Sample E") and a nonwoven melt-spun silk-based material ("Sample F").

[0143] Sample A exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 2.5 μm, thickness of 90 μm, porosity of 94%, average pore size of 23 μm, bubble point of 0.9 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 3351 / 7912 psi. Sample B exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 0.9 μm, thickness of 104 μm, porosity of 84%, average pore size of 2 μm, bubble point of 3.4 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 8768 / 12998 psi. Sample C exhibited the following properties: Ra value of 0.5 μm, thickness of 17 μm, porosity of 78%, average pore size of 0.4 μm, bubble point of 30.6 psi, and matrix tensile strength of 13193 / 26115 psi.

[0144] Samples of each material were adhered to a polycarbonate backing plate using cyanoacrylate glue and left for 24 hours. Each sample included four replicates. The plates were then immersed in a 100% ethanol solution for 15-20 seconds. The alcohol wash enhanced the wettability of the sample while also removing contaminants from the sample. The plates were then immediately rinsed twice with distilled water. The plates were placed individually in containers filled with 170 ml of high-pressure seawater. Each container had a 4 mm hole located in the side wall approximately 5 mm above the bottom edge to minimize water movement within the container and allow for undisturbed sedimentation, as well as to promote gas exchange with the water with minimal disturbance to the sample.

[0145] The seeding solution (10 mL) was added to each container and gently mixed to ensure uniform sedimentation within 24 h. The containers containing the samples were left to stand for 7 days, during which time the water temperature was between 9°C and 13°C and 12 h of light per day was provided so that each container received photosynthetically active radiation of 20–30 μmol s -1 m -2 's light.

[0146] To evaluate capture, four replicates of each sample were removed and mounted on a rack so that the plate formed a continuous surface along the length of the rack. The rack was inverted and mounted within a 3.5-meter bioflume, oriented with the continuous surface along the main flow axis. The flume was supplied with 50-μm filtered seawater at a rate of 2 liters / minute, with a total volume of 690 liters. The flume simulated the water flow that the growth medium would be exposed to in a marine aquaculture environment. Capture was considered successful when 30% or more of the seeds remained on the material after 24 hours of exposure to the water flow velocity. Water velocity was measured using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter.

[0147] After 24 hours of flume exposure, the plates were removed from the flume, immersed in filtered seawater, and transferred to a microscope, where they were mounted and imaged. While these images represent a two-dimensional labeling of the sample, zoospores also distribute along the Z axis, which was accounted for during imaging. Imaging was repeated one week later. An image processing and analysis program was used to determine the zoospore density on each plate after flume exposure and again within 7 days of exposure.

[0148] The spore density of sample A was 9.25 spores / mm, determined immediately after the water tank exposure. 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 92.5%; the spore density of sample B is 4.79 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 47.9%; the spore density of sample C is 7.04 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 70.4%; the spore density of sample E is 0.21 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 2.1%; the spore density of sample F is 0 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 0%.

[0149] After 7 days of labeling, the spore density of sample A was 8.02 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 80.2%; the spore density of sample B is 4.63 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 46.3%; the spore density of sample C is 7.04 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 65.8%; the spore density of sample E is 0.10 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 1.0%; the spore density of sample F is 0 spores / mm 2 , that is, the spore retention rate is 0%.

[0150] All materials were seeded with a spore density of approximately 10 individual spores per square millimeter of surface area. Sample A had a spore density close to its seeding density after water tank exposure and on day 7 (92.5% and 80.2% retention, respectively). In contrast, the spore retention of the nonwoven materials tested after water tank exposure was very low (1.0%-2.1% and 0%), indicating poor capture capabilities.

[0151] Example 4

[0152] A 2-liter culture, pre-mixed and filtered to remove bulky material, was prepared containing an average of 5522 gametophytes of Saccharina latissima per milliliter. A microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material with a rough, roughened surface ("Sample G") was cut into samples, adhered to a polycarbonate backing plate using cyanoacrylate glue, and left for 24 hours. The plate was immersed in a 100% ethanol solution for 15-20 seconds to improve the wettability of the material and remove any contaminants. Following the alcohol wash, the plate was immediately rinsed twice with distilled water.

[0153] The pneumatic nozzle assembly was set up in a vertical orientation at 50 mm from the flat seeding surface. The plate was loaded onto the surface and made four separate passes, each lasting approximately 1 s, under the pneumatic nozzle assembly, which was operated at approximately 2.3 mL s -1 The medium was dispensed at a flow rate of 1.5 Å. The plate received approximately 9.2 ml of medium and approximately 50,000 gametocyte fragments contained in a fine aerosol high-pressure spray.

[0154] Three sets of plates were prepared, the first analyzed on day 0, the second on day 7, and the third on day 14. Each set of plates was replicated for each test condition, including samples without binder, samples containing cell-based hydrocolloid binder A, and samples containing viscosity-based hydrocolloid binder B, with four replicate plates also received for each test condition. Plates that received binder were imaged immediately after spray seeding, all day 0 plates were imaged immediately, while day 7 and day 14 plates were stored in a room maintained at 10°C and subsequently removed and imaged after 7 or 14 days, respectively. All samples (including replicates) on days 0, 7, and 14 were tested independently; for example, samples from day 7 were not used for testing on day 14.

[0155] To quantify capture, each plate was transferred to a tray soaked in filtered seawater to prevent drying. Prior to imaging, the plates were transferred to sterile square Petri dishes and completely immersed in filtered seawater so that the meniscus of the liquid exceeded the depth of the plate and mounting material. The Petri dishes were mounted under a dissecting microscope and the plates were illuminated with two sets of cold light sources. Two images were taken for each replicate. Determination of the image field of view was randomized and ensured by allowing the plates to settle naturally in the Petri dishes in filtered seawater and adjusting the orientation before viewing the image capture window. The first image was taken at 20x magnification and the second at 40x magnification. Adjustments were made to ensure representative coverage of the material. Image processing and analysis programs were used to determine the gametophyte seed density (mm) of the 0, 7, and 14 day samples. 2 / mm 2 surface area).

[0156] The average seed coverage of the board without binder on day 0 was 0.00836 mm2 / mm 2 , and 0.00436 mm on the 7th day 2 / mm 2 (Retention rate compared to day 0 was 52%), and on day 14 it was 0.00702 mm 2 / mm 2 (84% retention compared to day 0). The average seed coverage of the panels with adhesive A on day 0 was 0.00442 mm 2 / mm 2 , and 0.00017 mm on the 7th day 2 / mm 2 (3.8% retention compared to day 0), and 0.00003 mm on day 14 2 / mm 2 (Retention compared to day 0 was 0.6%). The average seed coverage of the panels with adhesive B on day 0 was 0.00688 mm 2 / mm 2 , and 0.00061 mm on the 7th day 2 / mm 2 (8.9% retention compared to day 0), and 0.00099 mm on day 14 2 / mm 2 (Retention rate compared to day 0 was 14.4%).

[0157] The panels using no binder showed significantly higher capture after 7 and 14 days compared to panels using binder A or B.

[0158] like Figure 19 As shown, the culture substrate can be in the form of a deployment rope. In one example, the deployment rope was formed by twisting 2400 denier microporous fiber of Sample A (having the aforementioned characteristics: Ra value of 2.5 μm; thickness of 90 μm; porosity of 94%; average pore size of 23 μm; bubble point of 0.9 psi; matrix tensile strength of 3351 / 7912 psi) with 6 x 595 denier monofilament polypropylene ends. This resulted in a deployment rope with an average diameter of 2.2 mm and an average breaking strength of 74 lbs.

[0159] In another example, a lay-up rope was formed by twisting 2400 denier microporous fiber of Sample A (having the above characteristics: Ra value of 2.5 μm; thickness of 90 μm; porosity of 94%; average pore size of 23 μm; bubble point of 0.9 psi; matrix tensile strength of 3351 / 7912 psi) with 2 x 595 denier monofilament polypropylene ends and 5 x 850 denier polyester spun ends to produce a yarn with an average diameter of 2.0 mm and an average breaking strength of 98 pounds.

[0160] like Figure 20 As shown, the ropes are laid and knotted to form a 4m x 1m net consisting of diamond-shaped openings, each 35cm long and 15cm wide.

[0161] The invention of this application has been described above generally and in conjunction with specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments are intended to cover such modifications and variations of the invention as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A seaweed cultivation system for an aquatic environment, comprising: Support structure; as well as A microporous growth medium supported by a support structure, the microporous growth medium having a capture surface, wherein the capture surface has an average surface roughness Ra value of 1.0 μm to 50 μm.

2. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein: The average Ra value of the surface roughness is 2.5 μm to 20 μm.

3. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The capture surface of the microporous growth medium has a bubble point of 0.1 psi to 3.0 psi.

4. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The microporous growth medium has a plurality of openings distributed over at least a portion of the capture surface, the plurality of openings defining an average opening size of 5 microns to 200 microns.

5. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of openings defines an average opening size of 20 microns to 100 microns.

6. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The porosity of the microporous growth medium is between 50% and 90%.

7. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The microporous growth medium is a polymer.

8. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 7, wherein: The polymer forms a membrane / film.

9. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein: The polymer is an expanded polymer defining spaces between polymer elements.

10. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 9, wherein: The polymer is selected from the group consisting of expanded fluorinated ethylene propylene (eFEP), porous perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), expanded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE), expanded vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene polymer (eVDF-co(TFE or TrFE)), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and expanded polyethylene (ePE).

11. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 10, wherein: The polymer is ePE.

12. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support structure and the growing medium together form a composite.

13. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 12, wherein: The supporting structure of the composite is a polymer.

14. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 13, wherein: The support structure comprises a polymer that is different from the polymer of the microporous growth medium.

15. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The capture surface contains no adhesives, bio-glue or binders.

16. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The microporous growth medium is formed into yarn, rope, or braided tape.

17. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The microporous growth medium is braided, twisted, knitted or woven with the support structure.

18. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The surface energy of the capture surface is less than 35 dynes / cm.

19. The seaweed cultivation system of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of immature seaweed plants interfacing with the capture surface.

20. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 19, wherein: The plurality of immature algal plants include algal spores, gametophytes, sporophytes, propagules or broken algal plants.

21. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein: The intertwined immature seaweed plant genus is selected from the group consisting of: Palmaria, Porphyra, Saccharina, Neopyropia, Grasscilaria, kelp and Asparagopsis.

22. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 21, wherein: The intertwined immature seaweed plants are of the genus Palmaria.

23. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: a plurality of immature algae plants intertwined with the capture surface during initial seeding to define a first portion of the immature algae plants securely captured by the capture surface and a second portion of the immature algae plants temporarily captured by the capture surface until subjected to water flow, and wherein greater than 50% of the plurality of immature algae plants are retained in the first portion after exposure to the water flow.

24. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 23, wherein: Water flow is generated by exposure to a flume process immediately after initial seeding is completed, and the percentage of immature algal plants that remain after the flume process is determined.

25. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: a plurality of immature algae plants intertwined with the capture surface during an initial seeding period to define a first portion of the immature algae plants securely captured by the capture surface and a second portion of the immature algae plants temporarily attached to the capture surface until subjected to a cultivation period, and Among them, more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are the first portion remaining after the cultivation period expires.

26. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 25, wherein: The incubation period expires approximately two weeks after initial seeding, and at the end of the incubation period the percentage of immature seaweed plants remaining can be determined.

27. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: a plurality of immature algal plants intertwined with the capture surface during an initial seeding period and a subsequent cultivation period to define a first portion of immature algal plants securely captured by the capture surface and a second portion of immature algal plants temporarily captured by the capture surface until submerged in the marine culture environment, and Among them, more than 50% of the plurality of immature seaweed plants are the first portion to remain after being immersed in the marine culture environment.

28. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 27, wherein: Submersion in the marine culture environment occurs approximately four weeks after initial seeding, and the percentage of immature seaweed plants that remain submerged during the marine culture period can be determined.

29. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 27, wherein: Submersion in the marine culture environment occurs approximately four weeks after initial seeding, and the percentage of immature seaweed plants that survive harvest from the marine culture can be determined.

30. The seaweed cultivation system according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein: The stranded immature algal plants are retained by selective attachment to intentionally differentiated surface textures.

31. A deployment rope for seaweed cultivation, the deployment rope having a rope axis and a rope axial length, the rope comprising a first yarn and a second yarn, in, the first yarn comprising a first growth fiber and a first strength fiber, the first growth fiber and the first strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted about each other to define a first left-hand twisted inter-fiber joint, wherein the second yarn comprises a second growth fiber and a second strength fiber, the second growth fiber and the second strength fiber being axially aligned and twisted about each other to define a second left-hand twisted inter-fiber joint, wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are axially aligned and twisted about each other to define a right-handed twist inter-yarn joint, and a first left-handed twist inter-fiber joint is provided to arrange the first strength fiber and the first growth fiber to define a first contact line along the axial length of the rope wherein one fiber repeatedly contacts the other fiber, the first contact line further defining adjacent portions of the first strength fiber and the first growth fiber, the adjacent portions being at an angled relationship to each other to define a first groove of the first yarn, wherein the second left-hand twisted inter-fibers are coupled to arrange the second strength fibers and the second growth fibers to define a second line of contact along the axial length of the rope wherein one fiber repeatedly contacts the other fiber, the second line of contact further defining adjacent portions of the second strength fibers and the second growth fibers that are angularly related to each other to define a second groove of the second yarn.

32. The laying rope of claim 31, wherein: The first growth fiber and the second growth fiber are expanded polyethylene.

33. The laying rope of claim 32, wherein: The first growth fiber and the second growth fiber are monofilament polypropylene.

34. A laying rope as claimed in claims 31 to 33, wherein The acquisition reinforcement fibers are contained in the first yarn and / or the second yarn.

35. The laying rope of claim 34, wherein: The capture reinforcement fibers are spun polyester.

36. The deployment cord of claim 31 having a lay that moves between a loose state and a taut state to define a second configuration of grooves.

37. The laying rope of claim 31, wherein: The distance from the top of the groove to the bottom of the groove is 0.5-1 mm or more.

38. A seaweed cultivation system comprising the deployment rope according to claim 31.

39. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 36, wherein: During initial seeding, a plurality of immature seaweed plants engage the first and second grooves along the length of the deployment rope.

40. The seaweed cultivation system according to claim 39, wherein: Lay out ropes and tie knots to form a net.

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